Solihull Castle Brom, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Marston Green
OCTOBER 2017
Other Side Of
Dwellings being built on land, which was formerly part of the Local Nature Reserve, are well out of the price range of local people
Human cost of housing crisis A CHELMSLEY Wood councillor has said that radical action is needed to address a desperate housing “crisis” in the borough. James Burn, the leader of the Greens on Solihull Council, said that he typically took a couple of calls a week from concerned residents, who have often been brought to tears by the situation they face. With thousands of families on the waiting list, Coun Burn said that only a massive social housing programme could solve the problems. He highlighted the case of one local family who are currently in private rented accommodation, but with the levels of rent spiralling upwards they are at risk of losing the property. “They have been registered with the council and waiting for a home since January 2014. One family member has a disability that is getting worse. “I come across people who have been sofa surfing for three years, families living in incredibly cramped and damp conditions and more. They come to me as they just can’t believe that there are no homes available. But that’s the reality of it.” At a recent public meeting at St Barnabas Church, Kingshurst, both Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, and representatives of Solihull
‘They just can’t believe that there are no homes available. But that’s the reality of it’ Council acknowledged there was an urgent need to identify sites for new homes. Coun Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said that the
council was trying to balance protecting the green belt with ensuring there were more “affordable” properties. “Solihull’s got to take more on,” he admitted. But residents’ anger over the Babbs Mill development has arguably been made worse by the fact that the dwellings being built on land, which was formerly part of the Local Nature Reserve, are well out of the price range of local people. Similarly, as the council begins to earmark development sites as part of its latest Local Plan, questions have already been raised about the affordability of the properties which will be incorporated into the new-look Kingshurst Parade. On a national level, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, this month announced £2billion a year extra for a new generation of council housing. She said: “Whether you’re trying to buy your own, renting privately and looking for more security, or have been waiting for years on a council list, help is on its way.” Coun Burn said that he welcomed the announcement made at the Conservatives’ Autumn Conference, but argued the funding would be “a drop in the ocean”, with suggestions it would deliver only 5,000 extra homes a year.
Memorial plan for church’s beloved Anne
Anne Dunkley
WORSHIPPERS at a Marston Green church are raising money for a special memorial window, to be installed in tribute to a much-loved member of the local community. Anne Dunkley, who was a churchwarden at St Leonard’s for seven years, died in June 2015 after being attacked at her home. Now efforts are underway to create a lasting memorial to the 67-year-old, with a design for the porch window posted online last month. The glasswork, set to be fitted in a wall which will catch the sunlight,
will incorporate a number of emblems which represent Anne’s involvement in various aspects of village life. These include an open book and pen, acknowledging her teaching career, and symbols recognising her long-standing involvement in the Scouts and Guides. Reverend Penny Harrison, from St Leonard’s, said that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) had put around 18 months’ work into getting the design right. “Anne was one of those people who pulled the whole community together,” she told Other Side of Solihull.
“She had a wicked sense of humour and was somebody always determined to get things done.” It is anticipated that the window will cost in the region of £2,500, although the timetable for its installation will depend on getting a Faculty - the permission needed from the CofE to make changes to a church building. Residents can send a cheque made payable to St. Leonard’s PCC - with ‘Anne Dunkley Memorial Window’ on the reverse. Please send to St. Leonard’s Church, Elmdon Road, Marston Green, B37 7BT.
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Page 2 Other Side of Solihull
We need houses at the right price HOUSING presents a hell of a problem for politicians. It is an area which has received surprisingly little attention from both MPs and councillors, with issues such as crime, immigration and foreign affairs the subject of far greater debate. Yet there is a sense that there may be a shift in priorities, in part because of the number of younger people who find themselves in an increasingly difficult position. Labour chose to make housing one of the main thrusts of its General Election campaign and now the Conservatives too are speaking of the need to address the clear challenges ahead. National policy is, of course,
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR only part of the issue. Finding local solutions is not an easy task for authorities such as Solihull Council. In the borough, our elected officials are confronted with two uncomfortable truths; there aren’t nearly enough houses, but nor is there an abundance of sites where local people would be happy for new ones to be built. This is the challenge which gives our councillors sleepless nights. They know that doing nothing isn’t an option, not when so many are struggling to get on the property ladder. Equally, however, the taking of land for homes can prove highly controversial, as demonstrated
l Homes plan for village hall PLANS have been submitted to build ten homes on the site of the Village Hall in Marston Green. The application would see the demolition of the premises in Elmdon Road and the erection of two, three and four bedroom dwellings. It has been lodged by Elegant Residential Construction and is likely to be considered by Solihull Council in the coming months.
by several recent cases in North Solihull. Although there are no easy answers to the dilemma, one thing that the council must do is ensure that where homes are built that they are affordable for local people. While it’s true that the development of parts of Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve would have always been a bitter pill to swallow, locals were left all the more resentful by the fact the houses to be built on their open space are simply out of their price range. Housing policy will rarely please everyone, but a scheme such as this was thrust on an angry community and seems unlikely to deliver any real benefit...
Introducing:
l Over £4k raised for Harry PUPILS at Marston Green Junior School have raised more than £4,000 following a classmate’s battle with cancer. Year 4 pupils embarked on the remarkable fundraising drive after learning that Harry Cross had been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. A 1.5km Race for Life was organised on the school fields, with a handsome sum raised for Cancer Research UK.
l Costume drama at Onward TICKETS are now on sale for a Halloween-theme disco, taking place in Chelmsley Wood later this month. The family event will be taking place at the Onward Club on Saturday, October 28, with prizes for the best costume. Family tickets are £5.00 (two adults and up to 3 children), adults £2.50 and children £1.00.
l Guitar lessons reinstated THE guitar club has returned to Chelmsley Wood’s Three Trees Centre. The sessions are for those who can already play the instrument or who would like to learn. They will take place Thursday evenings (7-8.30pm).
Solihull Editor: David Irwin Design: Justine Flavell Get in Touch: Facebook.com/ NorthSolihull
@North_Solihull Email - theothersideofsolihull@ gmail.com
NICK PAGE – SIX CHALLENGE CHAMPION I’ve heard of the 10 Labours of Hercules... Well last month we saw the six trials of Nick. Solihull Council’s chief executive set himself the challenge of completing half a dozen gruelling challenges in the space of three days.
town centre and biked, strode and danced (Bollywood style), Nick completed a 20 mile cycle ride around communities including Chelmsley Wood and Marston Green. The final challenge was a volunteer-led walk at Babbs Mill.
And they brought him to the north of the borough? Yes, having already helped to pull a fire engine through Solihull
All for a good cause I hope? Yes, the money raised will go towards organising activities and events for local children in care.
YOUR SAY:
“A quick Google search shows that they receive over £130million but can’t afford a lollipop lady.” Hannah Fieldhouse on possible council cuts (page 3)
l Woman on murder charge A WOMAN has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a man who died following an apparent disturbance in Chelmsley Wood earlier this year. Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court, Georgina Henshaw, 35, of Alder Drive, denied killing Philip Rolph (pictured). Mr Rolph, a 65-year-old grandfather, had suffered fatal stab wounds and was found by paramedics in the early hours of July 7. Ms Henshaw was remanded in custody and a trial is expected to begin on January 2.
Other Side Of
Month in Numbers
• More than 2,500 people sign a petition calling on former Kingshurst councillor Jeff Potts to resign over anti-Muslim content he shared on Twitter. • Around 12 retail units are to be provided at the new-look Kingshurst Parade (above). • 24 fights unbeaten for Chelmsley Wood boxer Jamie Cox, who is set to fight at Wembley Arena this month.
Anniversary
October 1965: Details start to emerge about plans for the Chelmsley Wood development, following an announcement by then Minister of Housing Richard Crossman.
Out & About THE always popular Bonfire Night event will once again be taking place at Chelmsley Wood’s Onward Club. This year’s fireworks display will be held on Saturday, November 4. Gates open at 6pm, fireworks to start at 7pm. For more information please contact clerk@chelmsleywood-tc.gov.uk
Other Side of Solihull Page 3
Lance Gregory
Stabbed man’s sisters take action to reduce knife crime
Budget cuts won’t anytime soon CROSSING patrols in Solihull could be the subject of major cuts, as the borough council looks to shave £100,000 a year from its budget.
borough, but a new proposal could see 22 others scrapped before 2019/20 (around half of those in operation in Solihull). Eight of the sites facing an uncertain future have a Zebra, As the local authority continues to search for savings Pelican or other form of crossing in-situ. A variety of options in response to “significant reductions” in funding, it has would be considered for the 14 others including installing ordered a wide-reaching review of its crossing patrol service some form of permanent crossing or looking at alternative THE family of a man who was which could ultimately mean fewer wardens outside local sources of funding, which could include schools paying for stabbed to death in Chelmsley schools. the wardens themselves. Wood has called on mandatory A report, considered by councillors last month, Since 2010, patrols have been axed at 16 sites in the prison sentences for anyone acknowledges that removing caught carrying a knife. wardens altogether would be Lance Gregory, 25, was knifed one of the options on the table. in November 2012 following an In these circumstances, the sites altercation outside what was which lost the service would then the Craig Croft shopping be those deemed to be “low parade. priority”. His friend, Carlton Pollock, Paul Tovey, the council’s head was subsequently jailed for ten of highways services, wrote: years after being found guilty of manslaughter. “Our streets are getting busier, But with Pollock shortly eligible car ownership is increasing, for release, Mr Gregory’s sisters, schools are increasing in size Emma and Marie, are calling for and set against a background a tougher line on knife crime. of local and national economic They have launched an online growth, these pressures are set petition, to be presented to to increase in the future. the Government, which has “There is lots of evidence now attracted more than 3,500 demonstrating a clear demand signatures. for the Safe Routes to School Emma said: “If you carry a services...however, the issue to knife and get caught the police consider now is do we have the need to come down hard and right interventions in place.” fast, and if a murder or an assault But a crossing warden occurs using a knife then the we spoke to from another AS the dark nights set in and the centres, which include Chelmsley sentence needs to reflect that borough’s leaves start to turn, Solihull Wood and Marston Green. council area said: “Children they have taken a life.” Council is already planning for the The local authority has are distracted on their way The family are also hoping winter. acknowledged that last winter was to and from school. They’re to raise £8,000 to help those A fleet of nine new vehicles will be far milder than usual – only 29 gritting either staring at their phones or affected by knife crime, used to keep the roads clear in the runs were completed, all of them chatting to friends. We provide suggesting that current support event of ice and snow, with 3,500 precautionary. a vital service, not only making was woefully inadequate. tonnes of gritting salt having been Highways officers are nonetheless sure they cross the road safely, “We were not kept informed stockpiled at the council depot. Half confident that the council is prepared but we add another line of of anything and I don’t want a dozen “hand salters” will be used should we experience harsher defence safeguarding them from anyone else to have to go to treat the borough’s six main retail conditions this year. harm. I get paid just over £200 through that,” said Marie. a month – I’m sure any parent would consider that money well spent.” The document suggests that crossing patrol budgets have the Government’s response to the Grenfell ONE of Jeremy Corbyn’s most ardent been cut back by councils Tower tragedy. supporters has addressed activists during a nationwide. A Freedom of But the veteran left-winger has also visit to Chelmsley Wood. Information request made by a attracted criticism after suggesting that debate Chris Williamson, the Labour MP for Derby national newspaper last month was reopened on having women-only train North, was invited to speak at the Onward suggested that the number of carriages. Club – having returned to Parliament in the wardens across the country had Entertainment at the event was provided by June election. fallen by almost 1,000 in five the First of May Band whose political anthems As Shadow Fire Minister, Mr Williamson years. (pictured) has since taken the lead in criticising include ‘Ballad of the Tax Dodger’.
‘Tis the season to be prepared
Onward and upward for MP
Page 4 Other Side of Solihull
MP allays fears new flight paths have been implemented MERIDEN’S MP has poured cold water on claims that Birmingham Airport is already trialling new flight paths. Dame Caroline Spelman revealed she had been contacted by a number of constituents in North Solihull, who feared that changes had already been made – noting that noise levels seemed to have increased. The MP has said that airport officials have assured her that the new arrangements – which will see more northbound flights pass over Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood and surrounding areas – had yet to be implemented.
She said: “[The airport] have acknowledged that residents may have experienced an increase in noise over the past few weeks due to a greater number of aircraft using Runway 15 for (northbound) takeoffs. “The reason for the increased use of Runway 15 was due to weather conditions resulting from a period of little or no change in prevailing winds. “Regrettably, this has increased side line noise over communities in the B36 and B37 postcode areas causing some residents to worry that the flight paths had been changed.”
Camera action to rein in speeding motorists A DRIVER was caught doing 75mph along one of Castle Bromwich’s busiest routes, following the introduction of speed cameras last summer.
Figures show that the worst offence was recorded back in January, when one motorist travelled past at more than twice the speed limit
The devices were installed on the Bradford Road last August and have been hailed as “a good news story” by Solihull Council. Last month, the council’s transport and highways committee was provided with an update on how the technology had performed since it was installed last summer. Official figures show that in the first eight months over 3,000 vehicles had activated the cameras installed on the Bradford Road. And a total of 976 cases were referred to the police’s central ticketing offices during this period. Figures show that the worst offence was recorded back in January, when one motorist travelled past at more than twice the speed limit. The local authority said that far more vehicles had been snapped breaking the speed limit than they had foreseen, although it will be a while before reliable data is made available to assess the impact on road safety. Paul Tovey, the head of highway services, said: “The initial information we’ve had is really positive. “There have been very few faults with the equipment, so it’s been quite effective in the first 12 months, which has been good to report.” The Bradford Road camera was one of three digital devices installed in the borough amid concerns that speeding was still a major concern at a number FREE taster sessions for local people with disabilities of accident blackspots. Other cameras took place at North Solihull Sports Centre earlier this were put in place on Lode Lane and the month. Stratford Road through Hockley Heath. The annual Solihull Get Active Games offered tag Thus far, more than £50,000 in revenue rugby, trampolining, archery and a raft of other has been raised from those who were activities. caught on camera, with the money to be The event was held on October 5, with the Mayor reinvested in the scheme. of Solihull, Coun Stuart Davis, among the attendees. The cash may later be spent on installing cameras at further sites, with Efforts to encourage people with a range of Mr Tovey suggesting that other sites disabilities to sign up for sport were stepped up where the old fixed cameras were once in following the 2012 Paralympics. operation would be likely choices.
Event aims to get disabled folk active
Weapons check at college POLICE officers were at Solihull College’s Woodlands Campus last month, as part of a region-wide initiative to crack down on knife crime. Officers from the Smith’s Wood neighbourhood team were at the college to carry out routine weapons checks. The force will also be working to educate students about the dangers of carrying a knife and the tragic consequences which can ensue.
A helping house for homeless
A NEW development to provide short-term accommodation for people who are homeless has opened in Chelmsley Wood. Ipswich House, in Ipswich Walk, can house up to 21 residents and will offer support for those who find themselves in dire straits. Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline Spelman (centre), cuts the ribbon to officially open Ipswich House. The £2.3million project, which was funded by Solihull Council and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency, was not without its detractors. When the plans were first unveiled in 2015, some living locally feared that the creation of a “halfway house” in a residential area might fuel anti social behaviour and parking problems. More than 500 people signed a petition against the scheme. But others have argued that the development will be a lifeline at a time when homelessness is becoming an increasing problem. A recent study by the charity Shelter suggested that some 250,000 Britons were classed as homeless. Four years ago, the borough council came in for criticism after it emerged that many who found themselves in difficulties were being sent to sub-standard B&Bs. Councillor Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood), who at the time led the calls for a different approach, said the local authority subsequently looked at the creation of alternative types of temporary accommodation. He said Ipswich House went “above and beyond” in that it will provide support for those who the authorities aren’t legally obliged to help. “It actually houses people who EASTENDERS star Jake Wood will be the special guest invited to wouldn’t have been entitled to even turn-on the Christmas lights in Chelmsley Wood town centre, it WHAT a star! A schoolgirl from a grotty B&B bed,” he told Other has been confirmed. The actor, who plays Max Branning in the Castle Bromwich is among 27 Side of Solihull. BBC’s flagship soap, will be at the switch-on event on Saturday, youngsters who have been picked Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline November 25. It starts at 12noon, with lights on at 4pm. to appear in a show coming to the Spelman, who was invited to cut the Birmingham Rep this month. ribbon of the new centre, also hailed Grace Green, aged 10, will the improvement in services. be among the cast of Nativity! “There are many reasons why The Musical, which begins its people find themselves homeless more than 160 youngsters and CASTLE Bromwich Scout Group run shortly. The all-singing, allincluding; the breakdown of a leaders at its forthcoming has unveiled a special badge, dancing production is inspired by relationship, financial difficulties, group camp. designed to mark the the Christmas comedy film, which having to leave their homes because Amanda Cardall said troupe’s 85th birthday. starred Martin Freeman and Ashley of domestic violence or crime and the organisation The eye-catching Jensen. disasters like fires and flooding,” wanted to take emblem was Director Debbie Isitt said she she said. the opportunity devised by one of to thank its many the group’s Tuesday “Having recently supported was looking forward to starting supporters. Beavers and revealed measures in the House of Commons rehearsals with the “sweet and “Scouting is very on social media last to help tackle homelessness, funny young cast”. popular in Castle Bromwich month. including the Homelessness Nativity! The Musical opens on and we are lucky to have such Founded in 1932 when Prevention Act, I was delighted October 20, with tickets available an amazing team of volunteers. today’s suburb was still a small to have the opportunity to open from www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Here’s to some more great years.” village, the branch expects to have Ipswich House.”
Soap star to switch on lights
New badge marks milestone
Little Grace joins cast of Nativity!
Other Side Of
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